Deception Down Under

Evelyn Chambers Senior Spy #4

by Renee Pawlish

The stakes have never been higher for Evelyn Chambers in this fourth installment of the cozy senior spy series that readers say is “captivating and entertaining.”When retired nurse and part-time spy Evelyn Chambers is sent down under to meet a crucial contact, she finds herself caught in a labyrinth of disappearances and lies. A mysterious message leads her on a journey across the vast Australian continent, but this is no sightseeing adventure.

Every stranger could be an enemy. Every smile might hide a threat. And someone is watching her every move.

As Evelyn traverses the stunning Australian landscape, she must decipher who holds the truth about her missing contact. In this wilderness of mirrors, she'll need all her instincts to separate friend from foe.

From the glittering Sydney Harbour to the rugged outback, Deception Down Under is a pulse-pounding adventure that proves age is just a number when it comes to survival, cunning, and outsmarting the enemy.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2025

About the author

From the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.

Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.

Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.

The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off

The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released

The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest

Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.

The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.

To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....

on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/

on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish

Reviews

[Joyce927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

With very little notice, Evelyn has to make a trip to Sydney, Australia, ostensibly to deal with some legal issues concerning her mother's estate. It is actually another "consulting" job for the CIA. She is to meet another agent for dinner who will hand off a package for her to take back to Washington D. C. However, there is no one at the restaurant so Evelyn is in a quandary over how to proceed.

She is basically forced to take a cross-country excursion train to Perth. She tries to determine who the contact is and why they are taking so long to make themselves known to her. In her anxiety, she once again loses her safe phone. When she is confronted by counter-agents, she has left her personal phone in her train compartment and has no way to let anyone know she has been forced off the train.

After a harrowing experience, she discovers no one knows where the "package" is. She has to use her ingenuity to discover where to look and what it is. This is an intriguing series and certainly keeps the reader in suspense till the end.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest installment of the Evelyn Chambers cozy mystery series, Evelyn is called upon once more to travel out of the country on a simple assignment. No worries! Unfortunately, things do not go as planned (again). But Evelyn is an intelligent and resourceful woman, usually able to think on her feet.

I love the descriptions of the Australian cuisine and many landmarks in her travels. I never expect to be able to visit the Sydney Opera House, and I can only wish I could go on the Indian Pacific Train crossing the Outback. Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being an armchair traveler.

The book is both suspenseful and humorous (how will Evelyn lose her phone this time?). I also enjoyed the character development, getting to know Evelyn's friends and family a little better... and of course, the cats! This series keeps getting better and better!

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Chambers is at it again. This time she goes to Australia instead of Europe for her adventures. Ms. Pawlish not only provides us with a top-notch mystery adventure, she gives us a tour of a continent few of us ever consider visiting. She covers not only the scenic landscapes the main character encounters, but also the local fare she enjoys. A major part of the story takes place on a train, which does limit it some, but the frequent stops made for touristic activities, makes for an enjoyable ride. The descriptions of the scenery are excellent and well done.
As far as the story itself is concerned, Evelyn is again invited by her CIA handler to take an overseas trip for him. The job is supposed to be simple, safe and quick. But nothing goes as planned and Evelyn again finds herself embroiled in a mystery she seeks to solve.
A very good read. Recommended.

[Patricia A. Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in an excellent series! Evelyn Chambers, an elderly widow, becomes an asset for the CIA almost by accident. Her late husband was an analyst for the CIA - or so she thought. In this latest installment, Evelyn is sent to Australia to receive information from an agent. Naturally, things go awry, and Evelyn becomes deeply involved in intrigue and danger. The storyline is believable and engrossing. The characters are fully drawn and interesting. Pawlish is one of the best at describing people, surroundings, even architecture and landscapes. The descriptions make the story come alive but are never overly wordy. The reader can feel the ambiance, the feel of the train ride, the beauty of the Australian Outback without slowing down the story. This is a page turner and , highly recommend this book, this series and this author.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deception Down Under (The Evelyn Chambers Senior Spy Series Book 4), my seventy-fifth read from prolific author Renee Pawlish, the fourth involving Evelyn Chambers. Great character, great storyline, another must-read! Somehow I'd missed this book when it was released almost a year ago so I went out and got it and am voluntarily leaving a review. As Pawlish expands her writings over five primary characters it has improved all five but Evelyn Chambers may be the surprise character. Who'd have guessed that a senior citizen might anchor a great series! A Renee Pawlish book is like a visit with an old friend. I look forward to the next book in this series, The Venetian Canvas Caper (The Evelyn Chambers Senior Spy Series Book 9) as well as anything written by her. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Peg Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 4th installment by Renee Pawlish, senior citizen Evelyn Chambers is tasked with traveling to Australia to make contact with a CIA agent and secure some crucial information for her boss, Torres. Her spur-of-the-moment international travels are getting harder to explain to her family and friends. Evelyn is once again caught up in situations and mysterious people who may be watching her and wanting the same information she is supposed to retrieve. Her adventures take her across Australia via the Indian Pacific railroad. In addition to an action-packed cozy mystery, you will be treated to a travelogue on the land ‘down under.’

[Sheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception Down Under was a delightful cozy read featuring Evelyn Chambers on her fourth adventure as an undercover spy for one of America's alphabet organizations.

Taking her to Australia this time, Evelyn is once again caught in a mystery filled with characters that appear friendly, sometimes too friendly, leading her to doubt those around her. Who can she trust or turn to for help, especially when she is in the Outback without cell phone service to call for help or advice?

Renee Pawlish has created a character that becomes a comfortable friend taking you on an adventure with her.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception Down Under is the fourth installment in the Evelyn Chambers senior spy series by Renee Pawlish This time Evelyn is sent to Australia to obtain some information for her CIA boss. Of course this simple mission becomes complicated by the various mysterious characters Evelyn meets along the way. Enjoy the travels across Australia with Evelyn as you find yourself turning the pages to get her safely back home.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn and Roger are enjoying the New Years Eve bash when she receives a note.
Anxious to find what it's about, she follows the instructions to a hotel room and finds her next assignment.
Now she is off on another adventure, to Australia! And what an adventure it turns out to be!
Pawlish writes a great trek across the Aussie countryside by way of the Indian Pacific train.
Evelyn gets into scrapes, but all in all can really hold her own on these escapades.
Loving this series!

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome book in the series. I really enjoy the books and the characters. The main character is such a cool older woman who keeps you guessing throughout the books and this book was no exception. I really enjoy the way Evelyn, the main character, gets into such unpredictable situations and works her way through them. I lol at some of her antics and keep my fingers crossed that she will continue to come out on top. Love this series and look forward to more books.

[Barry Weisbord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time our 72 year old CIA consultant travels to Australia for what was supposed to be a simple mission. A simple meet with someone, obtain the information and return home. Of course, things are never this simple. Threats, a train trip across the country and intrigue trying to figure out who the bad guys are keep you turning pages. Well done!

[Judy G Spivey · Rating 3 out of 5]

If your 72 year.old Mother says she is leaving for Australia tomorrow

I've enjoyed this series, the heroine is in my age bracket. Evelyn's on the go, this time to Australia. A little harder to keep up with what was going on, because of the descriptions of Australia, and story seemed a little slower, but still a great read Can't wait to go undercover with Evelyn again.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The name is Chambers, Evelyn Chambers! Cue 007 theme music

I greatly appreciate and enjoy reading these stories! I am 73' and still working as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. I know firsthand about still being able to make a difference. Great job, Ms. Pawlish!

[Jennifer Surry · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the Australia Trip

Good story and good travel back story.I have a fancy for a long train trip now. Sadly I probably won’t get as far as Australia but you never know.